5 Common Myths About CPR Debunked -

As we all know that Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a life saving emergency procedure carried out on an individual who is not breathing or does not have pulse as a result of cardiac arrest.

CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation includes chest compressions along with mouth-to-mouth breathing rescue to keep the blood circulating in the body. Other than this, calling 911 or bystander CPR can be the most significant early responses in case of unconsciousness or sudden collapse due to cardiac arrest. However, according to the American Heart Association around 70 percent of the Americans either don’t know how to perform CPR or have forgotten this life saving procedure.

CPR is certainly a life saving technique and for this reason, the American Heart Association strongly emphasizes on learning CPR. However, there are many persistent misconceptions that put off a lot of people from learning CPR.

Here we will debunk some of the most common CPR myths:

Myth: There is no difference between cardiac arrest and heart attack.

Fact: The fact is these two conditions are very different. A cardiac arrest is an unexpected, sudden cessation of the functioning of heart that takes place when there is an electrical disorder in the heart that stops the beating all in all or makes it quiver inefficiently and weakly, disrupting the blood flow to the brain. On the other hand, heart attack is caused due to blockage in the flow of blood to the heart muscle. Despite the fact that in some cases a heart attack could lead to cardiac arrest, they are definitely not the same.

Myth: Only older and sicker people need CPR.

Fact: This is a dangerous myth. Anyone and everyone can be stricken by cardiac arrest, irrespective of gender, age or race. If truth be told, a lot of cardiac arrest victims have no history of medical issues.

Myth: CPR for adults, children and infants is exactly the same.

Fact: Even though the basic steps in pediatric and adult CPR are quite similar, there are some points that are essential to learn during CPR training.

Myth: Bystanders can be sued for carrying out CPR if the victim is hurt.

Fact: This is definitely wrong. The Good Samaritan laws protect bystanders who provide emergency medical assistance to the victims.

Myth: Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is compulsory.

Fact: Wrong. Chest compression is the most effective way of giving CPR. It is a fact that CPR which only involves chest compressions can be just as successful as standard CPR. Indeed, since 2008, the American Heart Association has recommended only chest-compression for adults.